Report: Connecticut police make it hard to complain

Associated Press

Publication: theday.com

Hartford (AP) — A study of police procedures in Connecticut has found problems with how departments handle complaints against officers.

A report released Tuesday by the American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut lists issues ranging from a lack of complaint forms, to threats of intimidation or prosecution of those who wish to bring complaints.

The organization says the study points to the need for statewide standards to ensure that those with complaints about misconduct will not be turned away, intimidated or silenced.

A message seeking comment was left Tuesday with Southington Police Chief Jack Daly, the president of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association.

The report follows a high-profile federal investigation that found a pattern of police discrimination toward Latinos in the East Haven Police Department, and led to reforms in complaint procedures there.